| Formula / Notation | KNO3 |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 7757-79-1 |
| Molecular Weight | 101.103 |
| Melting Point | 633.2 °F (USCG, 1999) |
| Boiling Point | 752 °F at 760 mmHg (decomposes) (USCG, 1999) |
| Density | 2.109 (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Solubility | 35g/100ml |
| Appearance | Potassium nitrate appears as a white to dirty gray crystalline solid. Water soluble. Noncombustible, but accelerates the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities are involved in fire o... |
| Also Known As | 7757-79-1; Saltpeter; Nitre; Niter; Nitrate of potash; saltpetre; Vicknite; Nitric acid, potassium salt; Kaliumnitrat; Kalii nitras |
| Category | Salts |
What is Potassium nitrate?
Potassium nitrate is the inorganic nitrate salt of potassium. It has a role as a fertilizer. It is a potassium salt and an inorganic nitrate salt.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: potassium nitrate
Other Names / Synonyms: 7757-79-1; Saltpeter; Nitre; Niter; Nitrate of potash; saltpetre; Vicknite; Nitric acid, potassium salt; Kaliumnitrat; Kalii nitras
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 633.2 °F (USCG, 1999) |
| Boiling Point | 752 °F at 760 mmHg (decomposes) (USCG, 1999) |
| Density | 2.109 (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Molecular Weight | 101.103 |
| Solubility | 35g/100ml |
| Appearance | Potassium nitrate appears as a white to dirty gray crystalline solid. Water soluble. Noncombustible, but accelerates the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities are involved in fire o... |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Potassium nitrate is the inorganic nitrate salt of potassium. It has a role as a fertilizer. It is a potassium salt and an inorganic nitrate salt.
Used in food preservation, water treatment, chemical synthesis, fertilizers, and pharmaceutical applications.
Irritant or toxic depending on specific salt. Some salts are oxidising agents or toxic to aquatic environments. Consult SDS before use.
The formula or notation for Potassium nitrate is: KNO3